Obituary of Harold Brown

Harold Brown Obituary It is with deep sorrow, yet profound gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Harold Brown, a man of unwavering faith, unconditional love, and enduring kindness. At the age of 68, Harold passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, integrity and devotion. He will be missed by family and friends from around the world who experienced his authenticity, charisma and effervescent smile. Born on March 31, 1956, in Harlem, New York City to Grace Brown (née Izzard) and Harold Brown, Harold's life was defined by impactful experiences and deep connections. He was raised by loving and supportive parents and deeply influenced by his Aunt Sylvia, who taught him to read. At the age of 14, he left Harlem to attend Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, where two life-altering events occurred: he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and met his high school sweetheart, Vivian Annette Brown (née Haskin), whose large extended family he embraced as his own. Their love blossomed, and they married while both were students at Wesleyan University, where they welcomed their first child, Nate and introduced his younger sister Trina Gary (née Brown) to the Lord. Preceding his graduation at Wesleyan, Harold began his career in banking at Connecticut Bank and Trust. During this time, he and Vivian expanded their family with three more children: Chris, Sean, and Alanna. After fifteen years in banking, Harold boldly changed careers and returned to Phillips Exeter Academy as the Director of Alumni Affairs. For the next 28 years, he dedicated himself to cultivating a vibrant global alumni community. Harold's professional influence extended beyond Exeter, encompassing contributions to Salisbury (CT) and Cranbrook Schools (MI), where he later retired, as well as the broader alumni and development community through his consulting with Independent School Management. Harold's faith was his guiding light, and he lived it every day through his actions and words. He found spiritual homes in every community in which he lived leaving indelible marks at Middletown Bible Church, Salem Bible Church, Promise Land Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church, where served in various roles including teaching, preaching, choir director and deacon. Harold was, a loving husband, dedicated father, loyal brother, doting grandfather, caring uncle, embracing cousin, encouraging colleague, and faithful friend. He cherished time spent with his family and passionately enjoyed music, storytelling, board games, fishing, golfing, traveling in his RV, attending family reunions, and serving his church. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Vivian; his loving children, Harold Nathaniel Brown (Ana Fernández Cobos), Christopher Aaron Brown, Sean Alexander Brown, and Alanna Candice Brown; his cherished grandchildren, Logan James Brown Embry, Lara Grace Brown, and Soleiah Eloah Brown; his dear sister, Trina Anita Gary (Michael); his aunt, Sylvia Simpson (the late William Dillard); and his nieces and nephews, Robert David Moore, Michael Andre Gary (Kelley Trapp), Tammara Amber. Gary, and Milan Avery Gary and a wide circle of family and friends who loved him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold T. Brown and Grace E. Brown, and his brother, Robert Louis Brown. We will carry forward his legacy by living with love, faith, and compassion as he taught us. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00am at Grace Baptist Church 280 E. Lincoln St. Birmingham, MI 48009. Visitation begins at the church at 10:00am. Burial next to his father at The Brown Family cemetery in Virginia. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Harold's memory to the church or to the charity of your choice.